The Central Water Commission (CWC) released a study titled ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India 2024’. This report reveals that India’s average annual water availability from 1985 to 2023 is approximately 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM). This figure is based on comprehensive data analysis, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, land use, land cover, and soil datasets.
Methodology of Assessment
The CWC’s assessment uses annual net runoff data. It excludes three western tributaries of the Indus River. The assessment incorporates contributions from neighbouring countries, such as Bhutan and Nepal, improving accuracy compared to previous estimates.
Regional Water Availability
Water availability varies across India. The Brahmaputra Basin has the highest availability at 592.32 BCM. The Ganga Basin follows with 581.75 BCM, and the Godavari Basin has 129.17 BCM. Conversely, the Sabarmati Basin has the lowest availability at 9.87 BCM, followed by the Pennar Basin at 10.42 BCM, and the Mahi Basin at 13.03 BCM.
Comparison with Previous Assessments
The current estimate of 2,115.95 BCM marks an increase from the 2019 figure of 1,999.2 BCM. Previous assessments, conducted since 1901, consistently reported water availability below 2,000 BCM. The increase is attributed to improved methodologies and the inclusion of trans-boundary water contributions.
Importance of Water Availability Assessment
Assessing water availability is crucial for sustainable resource management. Urbanisation, industrialisation, and climate change pose challenges to water resources. Accurate assessments are essential for calculating per capita water availability, a key indicator of water scarcity.
Water Scarcity Indicators
According to the Falkenmark Indicator, a country is considered to be under water stress if per capita water availability falls below 1,700 cubic meters. Availability below 1,000 cubic meters indicates water scarcity, while below 500 cubic meters denotes absolute water scarcity. The latest assessment suggests a per capita availability of 1,513 cubic meters for 2024, still below the water stress threshold.
Utilisation of Water Resources
Not all assessed water is utilisable. In 2019, the utilisable surface water resources were estimated at only 690 BCM. The proportion of utilisable resources varies by basin. Smaller basins generally have a higher proportion, while the Brahmaputra sub-basin shows a lower proportion of utilisable resources.
Challenges Ahead
The assessment marks the need for effective water management strategies. Factors like population growth and climate variability will continue to impact water resources. Sustainable practices are essential to ensure water availability for future generations.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of urbanisation on water resources management in India.
- Estimate the significance of trans-boundary water contributions in India’s total water availability.
- Point out the implications of per capita water availability on India’s water policy framework.
- What is the role of the Falkenmark Indicator in assessing water scarcity? Discuss with suitable examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of urbanisation on water resources management in India.
- Urbanisation leads to increased water demand due to population growth and industrial activities.
- Rapid urban development often results in pollution and depletion of local water sources.
- Infrastructure challenges hinder effective water distribution and management in urban areas.
- Urban sprawl can lead to the loss of natural water recharge areas, affecting groundwater levels.
- Policy measures are needed to integrate sustainable practices in urban planning and water management.
2. Estimate the significance of trans-boundary water contributions in India’s total water availability.
- Trans-boundary rivers contribute to major basins like the Brahmaputra and Ganga.
- Including contributions from countries like Bhutan and Nepal improves accuracy of water availability assessments.
- Such contributions can alter regional water management strategies and international relations.
- Trans-boundary water agreements are essential for sustainable resource sharing among nations.
- Ignoring these contributions may lead to underestimating water availability and exacerbate conflicts.
3. Point out the implications of per capita water availability on India’s water policy framework.
- Per capita water availability is a key indicator of water stress and scarcity levels in India.
- Low per capita figures necessitate policies focusing on water conservation and efficient usage.
- Water policy frameworks must address regional disparities in water distribution and availability.
- Strategies should include enhancing infrastructure for water storage and distribution to urban and rural areas.
- Per capita assessments can guide investments in water management technologies and practices.
4. What is the role of the Falkenmark Indicator in assessing water scarcity? Discuss with suitable examples.
- The Falkenmark Indicator categorizes water availability based on per capita metrics.
- It defines thresholds for water stress (below 1,700 m³), scarcity (below 1,000 m³), and absolute scarcity (below 500 m³).
- India’s current per capita availability of 1,513 m³ places it in the water stress category.
- This indicator helps policymakers identify urgent areas needing intervention and resource management.
- Examples from other countries, such as South Africa, illustrate how the indicator drives water policy reforms.
